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Airlines cancel Hawaii flights ahead of hurricanes

A rare and unique storm scenario is unfolding in the Hawaiian islands. Two major hurricanes, Iselle and Julio, are churning out at sea and are expected to make landfall back to back in the next 24 hours. Dan Scheneman has the latest.
NBC News

Airlines are canceling Hawaii flights ahead of two hurricanes, the first of which is forecast to hit the Big Island tonight.

US Airways, which offers daily non-stop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the major Hawaiian islands, canceled today's flights into and out of Kona, on the Big Island, spokesman Andrew Christie said.

The airline's morning flight between Phoenix and Maui departed on schedule, but US Airways canceled this afternoon's flight to Maui and has canceled tonight's two red-eye flights from Maui to Phoenix.

US Airways added a late afternoon flight from Maui to Phoenix today to accommodate passengers affected by tonight's cancellations.

US Airways' flights between Phoenix and Honolulu and Kauai have not been affected so far, Christie said.

"We continue to monitor the track of the storm and will make additional adjustments as necessary,'' he said.

US Airways merger partner American Airlines has also canceled its flights for today between Los Angeles and Kona and Maui.

Hawaiian Airlines, which offers a daily flight between Phoenix and Honolulu with connecting service to other islands, has not canceled any flights. The airline's website shows today's afternoon departure from Honolulu to Phoenix on schedule, as well as Friday 8 a.m. flight from Phoenix to Honolulu.

Allegiant Air, which offers summer flights between Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in east Mesa and Honolulu, said Friday flights to Honolulu will be delayed due to the weather. The flight due to leave Mesa at 1:40 p.m. is now scheduled to depart at 7:40 p.m.

US Airways and Hawaiian, among other carriers, are also waiving change fees for travelers who want to postpone planned travel to or from Hawaii this week.

Hawaiian is urging travelers to have patience when calling the airline to ask about their flights or change travel plans.

"Our call center is experiencing high call volumes and long wait times,'' Hawaiian said in a statement on its website and Twitter. "Mahalo (thank you) for your patience and understanding."